NRG offers free charging for some electric cars

HOUSTON — Buyers of some electric cars will have an added incentive starting this year: Free charging for a year.

NRG Energy, the parent company of Reliant Energy, announced the offer at the Houston Auto Show this week.

The company will offer all buyers of Nissan Leaf vehicles in the Houston or Dallas areas 12 months of free charging at eVgo stations, which are located at grocery stores, pharmacies and other locations.

It is offering similar deals for buyers of the Chevrolet Volt at AutoNation Chevrolet dealerships and buyers of Ford electric vehicles from the Planet Ford dealership in Spring.

In one hour, the stations can fill the batteries of most electric cars with enough juice to travel 150 miles, according to the company.

Since most electric car drivers slow-charge their vehicles at home on a nightly basis, the stations offer increased flexibility in the case of a long day out.

Electric cars have varying driving ranges, with the Ford Focus Electric able to move 76 miles on a full battery and the Tesla Model S capable of traveling up to 265 miles on a full charge, according to ratings from the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov website. The Leaf’s range is rated at 84 miles, according to fueleconomy.gov.

The goal of the free charging offer is to make electric cars an easy option for consumers, said Jack Cannata, director of marketing for NRG’s eVgo business.

“We’re just trying to get consumers to buy these things,” Cannata said.

Electric cars represent a potential new market for electric companies and NRG has attempted to become a leader in providing charging solutions for consumers. The company has committed $135 million to building a network of at least 280 stations nationwide, Cannata said.

NRG’s 17 stations in the Houston area extend from Katy to Baytown, he said.

The free charging offer will let new car buyers use NRG’s charging stations on either the slow charging setting that adds between 12 and 24 miles of driving range to a battery per hour, or on the fast charging setting that can deliver 150 miles of range in one hour.

Since NRG typically charges more for fast charging, the offer could give customers a savings of up to $506 per month, according to eVgo marketing materials.

The fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid can run on gas, electric power, or on both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

The fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid can run on gas, electric power, or on both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The inside view of the fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

The inside view of the fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is a plug in hybrid that can run on gas, electric power or by both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show on Wednesday.

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is a plug in hybrid that can run on gas, electric power or by both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show on Wednesday.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid can run on gas, electric power, or on both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

The fuel efficient Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid can run on gas, electric power, or on both functioning together. The hybrid was on display at the Houston Auto Show Wednesday.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid headlight, on display at the Houston Auto Show.

The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid headlight, on display at the Houston Auto Show.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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Jim Houck, left, and Robert Brickley of Porter take a look at the BMW-IE at the Houston Auto show at Reliant Center. The car will get 130 miles with a full electric charge and is listed for $43,000.

Jim Houck, left, and Robert Brickley of Porter take a look at the BMW-IE at the Houston Auto show at Reliant Center. The car will get 130 miles with a full electric charge and is listed for $43,000.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Rachel Prochaska, of Houston, takes a picture of the 2014 Nissan LEAF . The car lists for $28,800 and will travel 115 miles with a full electrical charge.

Rachel Prochaska, of Houston, takes a picture of the 2014 Nissan LEAF . The car lists for $28,800 and will travel 115 miles with a full electrical charge.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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The Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Keith Mack of Stafford, who is considering buying an electric car, inspects the LEAF.

Keith Mack of Stafford, who is considering buying an electric car, inspects the LEAF.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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The engine of the fully electric Cadillac ELR

The engine of the fully electric Cadillac ELR

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Judge Don Coffey steps into the electric Cadillac. The car lists for $75,000.

Judge Don Coffey steps into the electric Cadillac. The car lists for $75,000.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Hung Dang, right, and friends look at the engine of the Cadillac.

Hung Dang, right, and friends look at the engine of the Cadillac.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Sesonne Alexander and her dad, Arthur Alexander, of Houston, admire the LEAF.

Sesonne Alexander and her dad, Arthur Alexander, of Houston, admire the LEAF.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Houston Chroncile

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Nissan LEAF Electric Car is displayed at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

Nissan LEAF Electric Car is displayed at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The under the hood view of the Nissan LEAF Electric Car on display at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

The under the hood view of the Nissan LEAF Electric Car on display at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The Nissan LEAF Electric Car on display at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

The Nissan LEAF Electric Car on display at the Houston Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. The Nissan LEAF gets the equivalent of about 129 miles per gallon in the city.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus

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The back view of the Nissan LEAF electric-powered compact car, on display at the Houston Auto Show.

The back view of the Nissan LEAF electric-powered compact car, on display at the Houston Auto Show.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with a lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show at the Reliant Center.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with a lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show at the Reliant Center.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show in the Reliant Center.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show in the Reliant Center.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show in the Reliant Center.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a non-plug-in hybrid with lithium polymer battery technology. The Sonata is on display at Houston Auto Show in the Reliant Center.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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The inside view of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on display at the Reliant Center.

The inside view of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on display at the Reliant Center.

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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A worker cleans a Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) i8 electric sports vehicle during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

A worker cleans a Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) i8 electric sports vehicle during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

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The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg

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The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg

Image 25 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. Model S sedan is displayed during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg

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The Tesla P85+ all electric car and its charging station are displayed at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

The Tesla P85+ all electric car and its charging station are displayed at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

Photo: STAN HONDA / AFP/Getty Images

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The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on a charging station at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on a charging station at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

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The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the front of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the front of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

Image 29 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

Image 30 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the engine of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the engine of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

Image 31 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the front of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the front of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

Image 32 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the hubcap of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen on the hubcap of a Model S sedan at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

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Jerome Guillen, vice president of worldwide sales and service for Tesla Motors Inc., speaks during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

Jerome Guillen, vice president of worldwide sales and service for Tesla Motors Inc., speaks during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

Image 34 of 42

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen as the silhouettes of members of the media arrive at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. Tesla Motors Inc., the maker of high-end electric cars, gained the most in six weeks after the carmaker said it delivered 6,900 Model S sedans in the fourth quarter, pushing full-year sales beyond a company target. less

The Tesla Motors Inc. logo is seen as the silhouettes of members of the media arrive at the company's booth during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., on ... more

Photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

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Tesla Vice President for World Wide Sales and Service Jerome Guillen introduces the P85+ all electric car and its charging station at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

Tesla Vice President for World Wide Sales and Service Jerome Guillen introduces the P85+ all electric car and its charging station at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

Photo: STAN HONDA / AFP/Getty Images

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The Smart Cabriolet-ED all electric vehicle on display during the press preview at the North American International Auto Show January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

The Smart Cabriolet-ED all electric vehicle on display during the press preview at the North American International Auto Show January 14, 2014 in Detroit.

Photo: STAN HONDA / AFP/Getty Images

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The Volkswagen e-Golf fully electric vehicle, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich.

The Volkswagen e-Golf fully electric vehicle, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich.